Krzyzewski takes it easy before opener

BEIJING - After his team spent about six hours at Friday's opening ceremonies, US men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski gave his players a light final practice yesterday before their Olympic opener today against China.

Team USA watched film of its previous games before the practice at Beijing Normal University. Because of the late local start, 10:15 p.m. (10:15 a.m. in Boston), for the much-anticipated Group B opener, Krzyzewski said there will also be a shootaround today.

"We were on our feet for about six hours [at the opening ceremonies]," said Krzyzewski. "It's great to march, but it's long. You can't imagine how long it is."

Krzyzewski said the Americans are completely healthy entering the China contest. Center Dwight Howard said his sternum injury is not a concern. Guard Dwyane Wade feels completely healed from a left knee injury that ended his season with the Heat prematurely.

Krzyzewski said Wade has played as well as any other US player during the five exhibition games. "I do have my hops back and it feels good," said Wade, who had several acrobatic dunks in the exhibition games. "I'll tell you, it feels good to have that athletic explosion back."

Said Krzyzewski, "Dwyane is at the level that he was when [the Heat] won the championship [in 2006]."